Global Mobility & Automotive Shows: A 2025-2026 Review and Upcoming Highlights

The global mobility and automotive sectors are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in electrification, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technologies. Trade shows serve as critical platforms for unveiling these innovations, fostering industry connections, and setting future trends. This overview recaps the significant global mobility and automotive exhibitions from late 2025 and early 2026, highlighting their impact, and provides a forward look at key events scheduled for the remainder of 2026.

Understanding the landscape of these events is essential for professionals tracking industry developments and identifying new opportunities. From the tech-centric showcases in Las Vegas to the specialized manufacturing expos in Shanghai, each event offers a unique perspective on the evolving world of transportation.

Global Mobility & Automotive Trade Shows: A Calendar Overview

Here's a snapshot of recent and upcoming global mobility and automotive events, detailing their dates, locations, and primary focus areas. This table provides a concise guide for understanding the scope and timing of these influential gatherings.

Key Innovations and Highlights from Recent Events

The past year has seen a flurry of activity across major global automotive and mobility shows, with each event contributing significantly to the industry's narrative. From groundbreaking electric vehicle concepts to advanced autonomous driving systems, these exhibitions showcased the trajectory of future mobility.

CES 2026: The Tech-Driven Future

Held in Las Vegas, U.S. from January 6 to 9, 2026, CES 2026 drew over 148,000 attendees, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. Automotive discussions largely centered on in-vehicle entertainment, artificial intelligence, electrification, and vehicle autonomy. BMW and Mercedes-Benz highlighted advanced entertainment options for their electric models, such as the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Sony Honda Mobility (Afeela) presented a production prototype of its Afeela 1, anticipated for a mid-2026 launch. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang introduced the Cosmos AI model for robotics and the Thor chip, designed for Level 4 autonomous driving. Xpeng's AeroHT also captured attention with the debut of a vehicle featuring a two-person drone (eVTOL).

IAA Mobility 2025: Europe's Electric Vision

Munich, Germany, hosted IAA Mobility 2025 from September 9 to 14, 2025, under the theme 'It's All About Mobility'. The event attracted over 500,000 visitors and featured more than 350 world premieres from 750 exhibitors across 37 countries. Key focus areas included electrification, digitalization, sustainability, AI, Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs), and charging infrastructure. BMW and Mercedes-Benz showcased their all-electric D-segment SUVs, the iX3 and electric GLC, respectively. Additionally, BMW and Qualcomm collaborated to present their Snapdragon Ride Pilot platform, advancing automated driving technology.

Japan Mobility Show 2025: Expanding the Definition of Mobility

The Japan Mobility Show 2025, held from October 30 to November 9, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight, positioned itself as a comprehensive event encompassing vehicles, planes, VTOLs, and boats, while still emphasizing traditional automobiles. Toyota presented historical vehicles, the Land Cruiser FJ, and the six-wheeled Lexus LS Concept, alongside elevating its Century brand for ultra-luxury. Mazda introduced the Vision X-Coupe, a turbo-rotary hybrid concept featuring Mobile Carbon Capture technology. Honda unveiled its '0 Series' EVs, including SUV and Saloon prototypes, and a refreshed 'H' logo specifically for its electric vehicles. Nissan showcased the new fourth-generation Elgrand (e-POWER hybrid), the latest LEAF, and the Patrol.

Auto Shanghai 2025: China's NEV Leadership

Auto Shanghai 2025 took place from April 23 to May 2, 2025, at the National Convention & Exhibition Center. Under the theme 'Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future', the exhibition attracted over a million visitors and displayed nearly 1,400 vehicles. Chinese automakers demonstrated leadership in battery technology, digital user experience, and advanced driver assistance systems. Foreign automakers also participated strongly, presenting 'in China, for China' New Energy Vehicle (NEV) models specifically designed for the local market. Volkswagen Anhui, for instance, showcased the ID. EVO concept and an updated ID. UNYX 06.

Upcoming Mobility & Automotive Events: 2026 Outlook

Looking ahead, the latter half of 2026 continues to offer significant events for the mobility and automotive industries, with a particular focus on manufacturing, components, and evolving mobility concepts.

China's Automotive Manufacturing Focus

Shanghai will be a hub for automotive industry professionals in the third quarter of 2026. The China International Motor Expo is scheduled for July 1-3, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), focusing on broader motor industry trends. Following this, AMTS (Shanghai International Automotive Manufacturing Technology & Material Show) 2026 will run from July 8-10, 2026, also at SNIEC. This event is critical for those interested in NEV parts manufacturing, EV battery, motor, and electronic control production, as well as lightweight materials and intelligent driving technology. The Shanghai International Automobile Chassis and Braking System Exhibition will further refine this focus from August 12-14, 2026, at the Shanghai Expo Center.

Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026 and Automechanika Shanghai

In October 2026, the Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026 will be held from October 13-16 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan. This event, themed 'Seven MOVEs' as co-creation topics, aims to expand the definition of mobility beyond traditional boundaries. It will feature domestic automobile manufacturers, startups, universities, research institutions, and established companies, with free admission upon online pre-registration. Concluding the year, Automechanika Shanghai 2026 is set for December 2-5, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), focusing on vehicle parts, electronics, systems, accessories, tuning, service, and maintenance.

The global mobility and automotive exhibition calendar for 2025-2026 demonstrates a clear industry shift towards sustainable, intelligent, and interconnected transportation solutions. These events provide invaluable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development. Which of these shows aligns best with your strategic goals for the coming year? Remember to register early for upcoming events to secure your participation.